Primary issue for Sixers is finding two or three players worth building around.

With 19 games remaining in the 2014-15 season, what is reasonable to expect from the Sam Hinkie and the Sixers next year?

That could be a very interesting question.

So let's try some questions and answers about what the 2015-16 campaign could be like.

Q: Will it be Tank 3?

A: Probably not an all-out tank job like the last year and this season, when losing and getting high draft picks were the top priority, but don't expect Hinkie to use any of as much as $40 million in salary-cap space to sign a significant free agent. When I asked him Feb. 20 if he planned to pursue such a player this summer, he replied, "Timing-wise, I'm not sure."

Q: Would it be better to call it Tank 3 modified?

A: That's probably more accurate. The Sixers should be adding center Joel Embiid, who is expected to sit out his entire rookie season with a foot stress fracture, to Nerlens Noel and their own top-6 pick in the June 25 draft, plus as many as three other first-rounders (the Lakers' top-5 protected selection, the Heat's top-10 protected pick and the Thunder's top-18 protected choice). That assumes none of the picks will be injured or committed to playing overseas.

Q: How much help is coming in the draft?

A: While they'd only be guaranteed their own selection and Miami's pick (No. 12 through Friday), the Sixers would have a 17 percent shot at the Lakers' first-rounder (either No. 6 or 7, assuming LA maintains the league's fourth-worst record) and the Thunder are within one game of the Sixers getting that one, too. Having, say, three first-round picks would allow Hinkie to try to combine two of them to move up and potentially boast a backcourt of Emmanuel Mudiay and Croatia's Mario Hezonja.

Q: How many games could the Sixers win next season?

A: If Embiid and two top-15 picks play, the Sixers could end up with from 25 to 29 victories.

Q: Will Hinkie and the Sixers stick with a core group and try to develop them?

A: That is more important than the 2015-16 win total. It must eventually happen for the franchise to move forward, unless the Sixers can eventually acquire a star via trade or free agency. The primary issue is finding two or three players worthy of building around.

A: There's a decent chance that'll continue to happen. If they have cap space, count on Hinkie having another 20-some players on the roster and looking to add to his 17 second-round picks over the next six drafts.

Q: Would Hinkie take Duke center Jahlil Okafor if the Sixers are fortunate enough to win the lottery for the first time since 1996 (Allen Iverson)?

A: Don't be surprised if Hinkie grabs Okafor, despite already having Embiid and Noel, unless he gets a terrific offer from another team. Potentially dominant big men are difficult for NBA executives to resist. Select Okafor and figure out who plays where later.